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Mancini urges Balotelli to calm down

Roberto Mancini has urged Milan's Mario Balotelli to keep his cool even in the face of provocation from opponents.

The Italy international was handed a three-match ban following his dismissal in Sunday's defeat to Napoli, in which he missed a penalty, scored a brilliant late consolation and was then given his marching orders after confronting the referee at the final whistle.

It is not the first time that the 23-year-old has courted controversy and Mancini, who managed him at Inter and Manchester City, wants to see him address his disciplinary issues or risk picking up more suspensions.

"Now, all the defenders in the world know that (it takes) just two kicks to make him lose his head, and behave accordingly," Mancini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Mario must be able to withstand the attacks of rage. He must break the cycle. If word got out that he no longer reacts, after a while he would no longer be teased."

Mancini also lent his backing to Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who he feels is dealing well with the volatile forward.

"I would say yes (he is doing a good job with Balotelli)," he added.

"Mario is not easy to train, because when anger overwhelms him, he listens patiently to all your reproaches and promises... to restrain himself, and it is sincere.